The 1925 Guatemalan Quetzal is one of Central America's most emblematic coins and a key reference point for regional numismatics. Minted in 0.720 fine silver (weighing 25 grams), its design combines national symbols such as the quetzal—the bird that gives the coin its name—and the Phrygian cap, representing Guatemalan freedom and identity. Its creation, under the government of José María Orellana, was part of a monetary reform that replaced the peso with the quetzal, linking it to the gold standard to stabilize the economy. Today, it is highly valued by collectors, not only for its beauty but also for its role in the consolidation of Guatemala as a modern nation.
History of the Quetzal of 1925
The 1 Quetzal coin was first minted in 1925, following the enactment of the Monetary Law of 1924 under the government of José María Orellana, which replaced the Guatemalan peso at a rate of 60 pesos to the quetzal. This change was part of a strategy to stabilize the economy, pegging the new currency to the gold standard and establishing a 1:1 parity with the US dollar, which remained in effect until 1980.
José María Orellana, the architect of the reform, did not appear on the currency, but his legacy was immortalized on the banknotes of the era, where his image dominated the first series. The creation of the quetzal not only consolidated a stable economic policy but also became an emblem of national pride, merging pre-Hispanic history and modernity.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
Diameter: 39 mm
Thickness : 3.15 mm
Weight in grams : 33.33 grams
Characteristics of the singing : Engraving
Design and Representation of the Currency
Obverse: The obverse of the coin features the national coat of arms of Guatemala , with the quetzal bird perched on a scroll displaying the date of independence ( LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 ), two crossed rifles, swords, and a laurel wreath. Surrounding the coat of arms, at the top, is the inscription “REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA ,” and at the bottom, “1925. ”
Reverse: The reverse of the 1925 Guatemalan 1 Quetzal coin prominently features a quetzal , the national bird and symbol of liberty, perched atop an Ionic column inscribed with the date “June 30, 1871 ,” commemorating the Guatemalan Liberal Revolution. To the left of the pedestal is the number “1 ,” and directly below it, the word “QUETZAL ,” indicating the coin's denomination. Around the top edge appears the inscription “Law of November 26, 1924.”
Symbolism of each design element : The 1925 Guatemalan 1 Quetzal coin is laden with nationalist, historical, and cultural symbolism that reflects the country's ideals at a key stage in its development. On the obverse , the national coat of arms features the quetzal —a symbol of freedom—perched on a scroll with the inscription “LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821” (Freedom, September 15, 1821) , alluding to the date of independence. It is accompanied by two crossed rifles and swords , representing the defense of national sovereignty, while the laurel wreath symbolizes victory and glory. On the reverse , the quetzal appears again, perched on an Ionic column with the inscription “30 DE JUNIO DE 1871” (June 30, 1871) , a key date commemorating the Liberal Revolution, an event that spurred the modernization of the country. The inscription “LAW OF NOVEMBER 26, 1924” refers to the legislation that established the quetzal as the national currency, consolidating economic sovereignty. Together, each element of the coin conveys a message of independence, progress, and national pride, making this piece much more than a medium of exchange: a tangible symbol of Guatemalan identity.
Composition of the Currency
The 1 Quetzal coin was minted in an alloy of 1925 millesimals silver (720% pure silver) and 72 millesimals copper (280%), with a total weight of 28 grams. This combination guaranteed a balance between intrinsic value and functionality: the silver, linked to the country's monetary backing under the gold standard, represented economic stability, while the copper provided wear resistance, preserving the intricate details of its design.
Manufacturing Mints
The coin was minted in the United States, specifically at the Philadelphia Mint. It bears no visible mint mark, which is typical of coins minted at this mint.
The original mintage was 10,000 pieces ; however, their current availability is extremely limited due to subsequent meltings: approximately 7,000 pieces were withdrawn and melted down in 1927 and 1928 , and another melting took place in 1932 , the exact number of coins destroyed in which is unknown. This leaves an estimated 3,000 units in existence today, making this coin one of the most coveted and rare in the Guatemalan numismatic repertoire.
Below is a table with relevant information on the mintage:
| Year | coinage |
|---|---|
| 1925 | 10 000 |
Information partially obtained from Numista
Current Numismatic Value
The 1925 Guatemalan Quetzal coin holds high numismatic value due to its design, historical significance, and especially its extreme scarcity . Although 10,000 pieces were originally minted, approximately 7,000 were melted down between 1927 and 1928 , and another melt took place in 1932, the exact number of which is unknown, leaving fewer than 3,000 currently in circulation. This limited existence has considerably increased its demand among collectors.
Examples of auction prices
- 1 Quetzal of 1925, MS62: It reached $13,800.00 US dollars in 2023
- 1 Quetzal of 1925, AU58: It reached $3,360.00 US dollars in 2024
The 1925 Guatemalan Quetzal is not only a beautiful silver coin, but also a symbol of Guatemalan national sovereignty and a reflection of a time of reform and consolidation. Its historical, artistic, and economic value makes it a jewel for any numismatic collection. If you are passionate about coins with history, this is one that definitely deserves a place in your collection.
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Some images shown in this article were obtained from Stack's Bowers, for illustrative and educational purposes.
